Smog Check Exemptions in California
Which cars skip the smog check, what newer cars pay instead, when a sale needs a certificate, and why your ZIP code changes the test.
Most California cars need a smog check every other year at renewal, but gasoline and hybrid cars in their first 8 model years, electric vehicles, motorcycles, 1975 and older cars, and diesels from before 1998 are exempt. Newer exempt cars pay a smog abatement fee with their registration instead: $20 a year for the first 6 model years, then $25 in years 7 and 8.
Who's exempt
| Vehicle | Biennial smog check at renewal? |
|---|---|
| Gasoline, hybrid or alternative fuel, 8 or fewer model years old (in 2026: model year 2019 or newer) | No, pays the smog abatement fee |
| Gasoline, hybrid or alternative fuel, model year 1975 or older | No |
| Fully electric | No, never |
| Motorcycle | No |
| Diesel, model year 1997 or older | No |
| Diesel or natural gas, over 14,000 lbs gross vehicle weight rating | No (heavy trucks fall under CARB's Clean Truck Check instead) |
| Everything else, including 1998 and newer diesels up to 14,000 lbs | Yes, every two years |
Model years count the current one: in 2026, the 8 newest model years are 2019 through 2026 (plus any 2027 models already on sale). The DMV renewal notice says whether a smog check is required.
The smog abatement fee
Exempt newer vehicles aren't free of smog costs. Health and Safety Code 44060 charges an annual smog abatement fee on registration:
- $20 while the vehicle is 6 or fewer model years old ($12 under section 44060 plus $8 under section 44060.5).
- $25 in the 7th and 8th model years.
After the 8th model year, the fee stops and the car needs a real smog check every other year.
Selling or buying a car
A change of ownership triggers its own smog rule. A vehicle 4 or fewer model years old doesn't need a check when it's sold; the buyer pays an $8 smog transfer fee instead. For anything older and not otherwise exempt, the seller must hand over a smog certificate issued within the last 90 days (a dealer's certificate can be up to two years old). The station charges an $8.25 certificate fee on top of its test price.
Why your ZIP code matters
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) puts every ZIP code in one of three program areas:
- Enhanced areas, the smoggiest urban regions: biennial checks, and 1976-1999 gasoline cars get a loaded dynamometer test (ASM).
- Basic areas: biennial checks with a simpler idle test for those older cars.
- Change of Ownership areas, mostly rural: a check only when the car is sold or first registered in California.
For model year 2000 and newer gasoline and hybrid cars, and 1998 and newer diesels, the test is the same everywhere: a visual check plus a plug-in on-board diagnostics (OBD) inspection. The area never makes an exempt car need a check.
Failed the check?
You can't renew registration until the car passes. Pay the renewal on time anyway to avoid late penalties; the DMV will issue the sticker once the smog certificate is on file. Income-eligible owners can get repair help or a vehicle retirement payment through BAR's Consumer Assistance Program.
Check your car
The Smog Check Exemption Checker applies these rules to your model year and fuel type and shows which abatement fee applies. For the rest of the bill, see how much car registration costs in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cars are exempt from smog check in California?
Gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles in their first 8 model years (for renewals), electric vehicles, motorcycles, gasoline vehicles from 1975 or earlier, diesels from 1997 or earlier, and diesel or natural gas vehicles over 14,000 lbs gross vehicle weight rating.
How much is the smog abatement fee?
$20 a year while the vehicle is 6 or fewer model years old and $25 in its 7th and 8th model years. The DMV adds it to the registration bill in place of a smog check.
Do I need a smog check to sell my car in California?
Yes, unless the car is 4 or fewer model years old or otherwise exempt. The seller must give the buyer a smog certificate issued within the last 90 days. For a newer exempt car, the buyer pays an $8 smog transfer fee instead.
Do hybrids need a smog check?
Yes. Hybrids follow the same rules as gasoline cars: exempt for the first 8 model years, then a check every other year. Only fully electric vehicles are permanently exempt.
Does my ZIP code change whether I need a smog check?
Not for renewals of most vehicles, but the area matters for older cars. BAR assigns each ZIP code to an Enhanced, Basic or Change of Ownership area. In Enhanced areas, 1976-1999 cars get a tougher dynamometer test; in Change of Ownership areas, a check is needed only when the car is sold or first registered in California.
This article is for general information only. Your DMV renewal notice is the final word on whether a smog check is due. Sources: Bureau of Automotive Repair, Smog Check requirements page and Smog Check Manual (April 2025); DMV Smog Inspections and Registration Fees pages; Health and Safety Code 44011, 44060 and 44060.5.